Sport Events in the English-Speaking World

Sport Events in the 1 English-Speaking World 1. Royal Ascot

Glossary 1.A | SPEAKING – Have you heard about Royal Ascot? What do you think it is? Bred: homogenous group of animals within a species Ascot is a small town just outside London, famous for horse racing. Broadcast (to): Royal Ascot is Britain’s most important racecourse, attracting many of the world’s transmit (programs) best racehorses to compete for more than £6.5 million in prize money. from a radio or It was founded by Queen Anne in 1711 and is attended by members of the Royal Family, television station including the Queen herself, who usually comes to watch her own horse race. Royal Ascot Carriage: wheeled vehicle for carrying offers a daily horse-drawn procession from Windsor Castle to Ascot racecourse led by the persons, such as one royal carriage. Every year from 14th to 18th June, these five days are made for socializing: it is pulled by horses a spectacle of fashion and style known all over the world. Each year the meeting is broadcast Compete (to): take to audiences around the globe, but to experience it in person is something more special. part in a contest Comply with (to): be in accordance with wishes, 1.B | Answer the questions. requests, demands, a. Where is Ascot located? requirements, b. For how much do racehorses compete? conditions c. Who founded Royal Ascot? When? Racing: competition toseewhoisthe d. Does the Queen attend Royal Ascot? fastest e. When is Royal Ascot held?

11 1 Sport Events in the English-Speaking World

https://www.ascot.co.uk

Dress code: what to wear for Royal Ascot What you wear to Royal Ascot is as important as what you win at this famous race. This British social event is not only a show for some of the most purebred racehorses in the world, but also a fashion parade for spectators. A day out at Ascot is special, and dressing for the occasion is an important part of the race day experience. Royal Ascot requires a dress code for any type of ticket you purchase, and elegance rules are very strict. For men, it is easy. A smart suit and tie is the norm, but top hat and tails are required in the Royal Enclosure. For ladies it is more difficult: dresses, skirts and tops must comply with certain characteristics, women have to wear a hat, which must be beautiful, creative or simply unusual. Shorts are not allowed! Adapted from: http://www.fabfrocks.co.uk/

1.C | Decide if the following statements are TRUE (T) or FALSE (F).

a. At Royal Ascot you can wear whatever you want TF b. Royal Ascot is a show for some of the most purebred racehorses in the world TF c. If you buy a cheap ticket, you can wear shorts TF d. If you are not wearing a top hat, you cannot enter the Royal Enclosure TF e. It is imperative for women to wear a hat TF f. It is advisable to wear a plain hat TF

1.D | Correct the false statements.

12 1.E | IMPROVE YOUR VOCABULARY – Find above the words with the same meaning.

a. horses with pedigree b. to buy c. severe d. custom e. bizarre

1.F | SPEAKING – Can you think of a famous horserace in your country?

1.G | INTERNET/WRITING/SPEAKING – Have you heard about the Palio horserace in Siena? Search the Internet and find out, then write a brief report and share it with the class. You must include the following points: • History • When it is held • What it celebrates • How is the contrada, which has been the longest without a victory, nicknamed • M. Rohana / Rohana M. Shutterstock.com Who won the last race

Go deeper! Let’s talk about horse-riding! Riding a horse is fun. You can ride your horse at a walk, trot, canter or gallop. You can enter some dressage and show-jumping competitions, where you can display your horse-riding skills. To ride your horse well you must have a lot of skilled communication with the horse.

1.H | IMPROVE YOUR VOCABULARY – Match each word or expression to its Italian equivalent.

a. at a walk 1. trotto b. canter 2. galoppo c. trot 3. al passo d. gallop 4. piccolo galoppo e. show-jumping 5. abilità f. skills 6. salto ostacoli

a. b. c. d. e. f.

13 1 Sport Events in the English-Speaking World

2. Wimbledon

Wimbledon istheoldesttennistournament Glossary in the world and is generally considered the most prestigious. It has been held at the All

Recruit (to): seek or / Shutterstock.com Zhukovsky Leonard enlist (a person) for England Club in Wimbledon, London, since 1877. It some activity or task is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, Retract (to): draw the others being the Australian Open, the French Open and the US Open. Wimbledon is the back or in Roof: the external only one still played on grass. upper covering of The tournament takes place over two weeks in late June and early July, concluding with the a house or other Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Singles Final, scheduled always for the second Saturday and Sunday building respectively. The tournament is also famous for the absence of sponsor advertising around Sponsor: person, firm, organisation the courts. In 2009, as bad weather often interrupts play, Wimbledon’s Centre Court was that provides money fitted with a retractable roof. for an event Wimbledon is not just a test of nerves and ability for the world’s top tennis players, but it is also a major logistical operation. About 6,000 people work to ensure the success of the event, including the 250 ball boys and girls recruited from schools across London, who will handle the 50,000 or so balls. Wimbledon is also the largest single annual sporting catering event in Europe. Nearly half a million visitors need feeding, and not just the strawberries with cream and glasses of Pimm’s that Wimbledon is famous for! Last year visitors consumed 28,000 kg of strawberries, 7,000 litres of cream, 200,000 glasses of Pimm’s, 300,000 cups of tea and coffee, 190,000 sandwiches and 100,000 pints of beer. Adapted from www.wimbledon.com

2.A | Answer the questions.

a. What is Wimbledon? g. Cansponsorsadvertisearoundthe b. Where is Wimbledon? courts? c. How long has Wimbledon been held? h. Why was Wimbledon’s Centre Court d. What are the four Grand Slam tennis fitted with a retractable roof in 2009 ? tournaments? i. How many people work to ensure the e. When does the tournament take success of the event? place? j. How many ball boys and girls are there? f. When is the Ladies’ Singles Final k. Where are they recruited?

Stuart Slavicky / Shutterstock.com Slavicky Stuart scheduled? l. Is beer allowed inside the Club?

What does it take to become a Wimbledon ball boy/girl?

The ball boys/girls are all year 9 and 10 students at secondary schools near Wimbledon. About 700 kids apply every year and this number is reduced to a team of 250. The tournament does not start till June, but ball boy/girl training begins early in February. They practice sprinting, catching and rolling the ball across the court and, of course, practicing to stand perfectly still when the game is on!

14 As the tournament nears, teams are selected for each of the courts. Four teams of six look after the Centre and No. 1 Courts, where the top players play. Six teams of six rotate around the other show courts and the remainder manage the rest of the courts. On match days, the usual routine is one hour on, one hour off to make sure the teams do not get tired out under the heat. Their job is to feed the balls to the players, make sure the balls are at the correct end and to change the balls when necessary too. They also make sure the towels are changed and supply drinks to the players and referees. To become a ball boy/girl you need to have good decision making skills, able to deal with the unexpected and to work as part of a team.

“If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster, and treat those two imposters just the same”.

This is the inspirational quote from Rudyard Kipling’s poem If inscribed above the entrance to Wimbledon’s Centre Court, waiting to greet those who begin the battle for one of tennis’s most treasured trophies, and to remind players of what it is that makes a man. See also Literature Connections - page 186 Adapted from: http://www.funkidslive.com/

2.B | Complete the sentences.

a. The ball boys/girls are all...... at secondary schools near Wimbledon. b. About 700 kids...... every year. c. The ball boys/girls start...... in February. d. They practice sprinting, catching and rolling the...... across the court. e. Four teams of six...... the Centre and No. 1 Courts. f. Their usual...... is one hour on, one hour off. g. Their job is...... the balls to the players, change them when necessary, make sure the towels...... and...... drinks to the players and referees. h. To...... a ball boy/girl you need to be able to work as part of a team.

2.C | IMPROVE YOUR VOCABULARY – How much do you know about tennis? Tick only the words connected with it. a. A shot j. A court b. A goal k. A match c. A net l. A smash d. A bunker m. A bat e. A double fault n. A player f. A serve o. A ball g. A base p. A match point h. A club q. A backhand i. A racket

2.D | With the help of your teacher or using a dictionary, find the Italian equivalent of the words above.

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3. The Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race: the annual contest between two rowing clubs from Oxford and Cambridge universities

3.A | LISTENING TRACK 1 – Cover the text and listen, then decide Glossary if the statements are TRUE (T) or FALSE (F). Challenge: call to It is one of the major sporting events in the UK. compete in a contest or in a fight The Race takes place close to Easter each year on the River Course: direction or Thames in West London between Putney and Mortlake. route to be taken The first race took place in 1829 in Henley on Thames following Endurance: the a challenge between old school friends. Since the second race in ability to continue despite fatigue or 1836, the contest has taken place in London. stress The race came about because two friends from Harrow School, Charles Row (to): move a Wordsworth, of Christ Church College, Oxford, and Charles Merrivale of St. John’s, Cambridge, vessel by the use met during the vacation in Cambridge, where Wordsworth’s father was master at Trinity College. of oars (a long pole with a broad, wide Wordsworth went rowing on the Cam, and the two boys decided to set up a challenge. blade at one end, The first few races were not decided ina used as a lever for side by side contest, but were judged on rowing) “time and style”; the two teams were not allowed on the river at the same time. Now the course is exactly 4 miles 374 yards (6,7 Km) over a stretch of the Thames that is curved and tidal, making it a real endurance test for the rowers who require intensive training. Adapted from http://theboatraces.org/

a. The race takes place in Henley on Thames TF b. The first race took place in 1829 TF c. The race came about following a challenge between old school friends TF d. The first few races were decided in a side by side contest TF e. The course is 6,7 km long TF f. The race is not tiring at all TF

3.B | Correct the false statements.

Film Link TRUE BLUE – TO BE SECOND IS TO BE LAST (1996) True Blue is a British sport drama film based on the book True Blue: The Oxford Boat Race Mutiny by Daniel Topolski and Patrick Robinson. Although names and events were changed, it tells the story of the 1987 Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race and the disagreement amongst the Oxford team known as the “Oxford mutiny”.

16 Book Link TRUE BLUE: THE OXFORD BOAT RACE MUTINY It is a non-fiction book written by Dan Topolski and Patrick Robinson and published in 1989. It tells the story of the 1987 Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race and the disagreement amongst the Oxford club known as the “Oxford mutiny”. Topolski was Oxford’s rowing coach, and the book describes his conflicts with the team and principally five US international oarsmen, among the best rowers in the world, who were enrolled that year at Oxford. As a result of disagreements over training methods and team selection, the Americans leave the team shortly before the race. With a tired team, still suffering from the fall-out of the “mutiny”, Oxford went on to beat Cambridge in the 1987 Boat Race.

3.C | IMPROVE YOUR VOCABULARY – Match each word to its synonym.

a. disagreement 1. defeat b. oarsmen 2. workout c. training 3. rebellion d. beat 4. rowers e. mutiny 5. divergence

a. b. c. d. e.

3.D | INTERNET/SPEAKING – Search the Internet and find out why the «Dark Blues» and the «Light Blues», the two universities, are in competition, then share with the class.

3.E|INTERNET/WRITING–DoyouknowthatOxfordandCambridgeareamongtheleadinguniversities in the world? Pick one of the two, then write a brief report. You must include the following points: • History • Traditions

3.F | SPEAKING – In your opinion, what is the most important trait for a rower: strength, concentration or intelligence? Justify your answer.

4. The F1 British Grand Prix

The British Grand Prix is a race in the FIA Formula One World Championship calendar. It is currently held at the Silverstone Circuit near the village of Silverstone in Northamptonshire, England, and it is the oldest F1 race in the world. Many British drivers have won at this prestigious event, including Lewis Hamilton, Damon Hill, David Coulthard and Nigel Mansell. The weekend’s action excites motorsport

BAKOUNINE / Shutterstock.com enthusiasts and F1 fans every year.

17 1 Sport Events in the English-Speaking World

Film Link RUSH (2013) It is a biographical sports drama film by Ron Howard based on the rivalry between Formula 1 drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda, during the 1976 Formula One motor-racing season. Written by Peter Morgan, stars Chris Hemsworth as Hunt and Daniel Brühl as Lauda. The film premiered in London on 2 September 2013.

4.A | Answer the questions.

a. What is the F1 British Grand Prix? b. Where is it held? c. What is the film Rush based on? d. Who was the film directed by?

4.B | INTERNET/SPEAKING – Some things in the film Rush are exaggerated. Search the Internet and find out, then share with the class.

4.C | IMPROVE YOUR VOCABULARY – Find above the synonyms of the following words.

a. schedule b. at present c. important d. fact-based

5. The Scottish Glossary Highland Games Bagpipe: musical instrument sounded 5.A | LISTENING TRACK 2 – Listen and complete with the by air forced out of a missing words. leather bag Boulder: rock, stone Defeat: the act of The Scottish Highland Games is one of the most popular overcoming in a 1) ...... in Scotland, for visitors and residents. contest They 2)...... from April to September, Gathering: assembly, meeting and are a unique mix of sport, culture and community. Hurl (to): throw or It is said that the Highland Games originated in propel with great 3) ...... in 2000 BC and that they arrived force in Scotland with the fourth and fifth century migrations. Migration: move from one country, The 4)...... of strength – jumping, region, or place to running, throwing and riding – were introduced by Malcolm another Canmore in 5)...... as a means of JASPERIMAGE / Shutterstock.com

18 selecting the most able men for soldiers and messengers. They continued until 1746 when, with the defeat of the 6)...... , it was forbidden to play the bagpipes. The Braemar Gathering, which has taken place in September since 1832, is the biggest and most 7)...... Highland Games event and enjoys the annual attendance of the Royal Family. The races are rather 8)...... : competitors must hurl a heavy 9)...... weighing up to 90 kilos that must fall to the ground in a vertical position, or hurling a 25 kilo boulder beyond a high jump bar. There are also characteristic dances in traditional 10)...... JASPERIMAGE / Shutterstock.com and bagpipe players.

5.B | IMPROVE YOUR VOCABULARY – Match each word to its synonym.

a. residents 1. competition b. migration 2. contenders c. contest 3. inhabitants d. attendance 4. exodus e. competitors 5. presence

a. b. c. d. e.

5.C | INTERNET/WRITING/SPEAKING – Search the Internet and find information on Malcolm Canmore, then share it with the class.

Highland Games across the world

Highland Games have been picked up across continents with the first Highland Games taking place in New York, USA in 1836. The Caledonian Club of San Francisco held its first Games in 1866, and boasts the oldest continuously running Games in the USA with the St Andrews Society of Detroit. Today, in addition to the Games held all across Scotland, more than 200 annual games and gatherings are held across the US and Canada, with games also in New Zealand and Australia. Adapted from: https://www.visitscotland.com

5.D | SPEAKING – Can you think of a sport or a sport event that is particular to your country or region? What is it called? What are the rules? What sort of equipment do you need? Why is it popular in your country?

19 1 Sport Events in the English-Speaking World

6. The Major League Baseball All-Star Game

6.A | Complete the text with the missing words from the box.

Tuesday – take place – players – related – happens

Film Link Also known as the “Midsummer Classic”, the Major League Baseball All-Star Game is an annual professional baseball game between 1)...... from the American 42 (2013) League (AL) and the National League (NL), currently selected by fans, by managers and by players. 42 is a 2013 The game usually 2)...... on the second or third 3)...... American in July, and it marks a symbolic halfway-point in the MLB season. biographical Some further events 4)...... with the game 5)...... each sports film by year during this break. Brian Helgeland about the racial integration 6.B | LISTENING TRACK 3 – Now listen and check. of American professional baseball player 6.C | IMPROVE YOUR VOCABULARY – Match each word to its synonym. Jackie Robinson,

a. currently 1. additional b. further 2. well-known c. related 3. myth d. break 4. at present e. famous 5. pause f. legend 6. connected

a. b. c. d. e. f.

one of the most famous baseball 6.D | SPEAKING –Doyouhave players of all a favourite baseball player or time, who wore team? Who? What makes the jersey number 42 player or team so great? through his Major League career. 42 tells the 6.E | INTERNET/WRITING/ story of how this SPEAKING – Search the legend became Internet and find out about the first African the history of baseball, write American baseball a brief report, then share with player in the the class. Major Leagues.

Carlos E. Santa Maria / Shutterstock.com 20 Go deeper! Let’s talk about baseball! Baseball is played on a “diamond” with four bases: first, second, third and home. It is played with a rounded bat and a small, hard ball. The fielding team wear a special glove with which to catch the ball. The aim is to get as many home runs as possible by running around the diamond without getting “out”.

6.F | With the help of your teacher or using a dictionary, find the Italian equivalent of the above words in bold.

6.G | SPEAKING – What qualities do you think an athlete needs to play baseball?

Glossary 7. The Stanley Cup Award (to): give due to merit Engrave (to): cut or The Stanley Cup is the championship etch (letters, designs, trophy awarded annually to the American etc.) into a hard National Hockey League (NHL) playoff winner. surface, of metal, stone, or wood Originally, it was a decorative cup produced by a Rink: smooth area of Londoner silversmith and was donated by Lord ice for ice-skating Stanley of Preston, General Governor of Canada, Silversmith: person who was a great supporter of ice hockey. who makes and One of the features that make this a “Unique Cup” is the fact that it is the only trophy in repairs articles of silver professional sport that has the names of all members of the winning team engraved on it.

The Stanley Cup: legends and traditions The trophy known as ÒLord Stanley’s Mug” or simply” The Silver Cup” is surrounded by many legends and traditions, the oldest of which is the celebratory drinking of champagne out of the cup by the winning team. Another tradition is the on-ice presentation of the Cup to the captain of the winning team after the series-winning victory, and the subsequent carrying of the trophy around the rink by each member of the winning club. Adapted from https://www.nhl.com

7.A | Decide if the following statements are TRUE (T) or FALSE (F). a. The Stanley Cup is awarded every year TF b. In the past, it was a silver plate TF c. Originally, the trophy was produced in Canada TF d. Lord Stanley, General Governor of Canada, was a great ice hockey follower TF e. The Cup is unique because it has the names of all winning teams on it TF f. The trophy is called “The Silver Mug” TF g. The winning team drinks champagne from the trophy TF h. The trophy is carried around the rink by the captain of the winning team TF

7.B | Correct the false statements.

21 1 Sport Events in the English-Speaking World

Go deeper! Let’s talk about ice hockey! Ice hockey is a contact team sport played on ice, usually in a rink, in which two teams of skaters use their sticks to shoot a vulcanized rubber puck into their opponent’s net to score points. Ice hockey teams usually consist of six players each: one goaltender, and five players who skate up and down the ice trying to take the puck and score a goal against the opposing team. Adapted from https://www.wikipedia.com

7.C | With the help of your teacher or using a dictionary, find the Italian equivalent of the above words in bold.

7.D | IMPROVE YOUR VOCABULARY – Find words with the same meaning on the previous page.

a. yearly b. fan c. characteristics d. inscribed e. winning

7.E | INTERNET/WRITING/SPEAKING - Ice hockey is the official national winter sport of Canada. Search the Internet and find out about the history of this sport, then write a brief report and share it with the class.

Glossary Agreement: arrangement 8. The America’s Cup accepted by all parties Challenge (to): summon (someone) 8.A | LISTENING TRACK 4 – Listen and to a contest or fight complete with the missing words. Crew: the sailors, but not the officers, of a ship’s company The America’s Cup is the most famous Defeat (to): overcome 1) ...... in yachting competition in a contest and the oldest sports cup in the world for Defend (to): attempt to retain (a which is still competed.

championship title) in This is a series of 2)...... between / Shutterstock.com ChameleonsEye competition against a two yachts that compete 3)...... challenger each other. The two yachts belong to two different 4)...... : one is the defender Finance (to): supply which 5)...... the club that holds the Cup and the second yacht is the challenger that with money or capital Prize: reward for represents the club 6)...... for the Cup. victory, as in a contest The timing of each match is determined by an agreement between the 7)...... and the or competition 8)...... The America’s Cup is the oldest international sporting trophy. Reclaim (to): claim The Louis Vuitton Cup was a yachting competition connected with the America’s Cup. Between back Sail (to): travel on 9)...... , the Louis Vuitton Cup was used as the challenger selection series for the water; manage (a America’s Cup. Four out of the eight 10)...... of the Louis Vuitton Cup subsequently sailboat), esp. for won the America’s Cup itself. sport Adapted from https://www.americascup.com

22 Film Link WIND, WINNING IS EVERYTHING (1992) Will Parker loses the Americas Cup, the world biggest sailing prize, to the Australians and decides to form his own syndicate to win it back. In 1983, yacht sailor Will Parker leads an American crew financed by millionaire Morgan Weld to defeat the Australian crew during the America’s Cup race. Determined to get the prize back, Will convinces Morgan to finance an experimental boat designed by his ex-girlfriend Joe Heisler. When the boat is completed, the Americans head to Australia to reclaim the cup.

8.B | SPEAKING – Can you sail? If yes, where did you learn? If no, would you like to try it? Give reasons.

8.C | INTERNET/WRITING/SPEAKING – Have you heard about “Azzurra”, which was one of the challengers at the America’s Cup in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1983? Search the Internet and find out. Write a report, then share it with the class. You must include the following points:

• The name of the skipper • The name of the helmsman • The name of the winning boat

9. The New York Glossary Applicant: person City Marathon who applies for or requests something Borough: one of the five counties of New New York City Marathon is held York City on the first Sunday of November Fee: sum paid and attracts more than two million people or charged for a along the route which passes through all privilege

Lottery: gambling five boroughs, starting on Staten Island and / Sohm Shutterstock.com Joseph game in which a finishing in Central Park. There are different draw is held for a ways to be accepted to run the race. One of them is entering a lottery and hope that they will certain prize draw your name out of thousands of entries. Some of the applicants are professionals hoping to Record: the highest or best time, win a money prize if they break the world record or a car if they win the race, but most just want amount, etc., ever to take part. achieved, esp. in The first New York City Marathon, organized sports in 1970 by Fred Lebow and Vince Chiappetta, was held entirely in Central Park. Out of 127 entrants, only 55 men finished; the only female competitor dropped out of the race due to health reasons.Winners were awarded with inexpensive watches and recycled baseball and bowling trophies. The entry fee was $1 and the total event budget was $1,000. Adapted from http://www.tcsnycmarathon.org Joseph Sohm / Shutterstock.com / Sohm Joseph

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Dear Marathon, but how much does it cost to participate?

New York increased its prices by 39% (ANSA News – New York, 3rd January). Running the New York Marathon this year will be more expensive, because entry fees will increase from 24 to 39%. The price increase is linked to the demands of the New York Police Department for security costs. This year’s 2016 marathon, New York Road Runners will pay $ 60 more than last year. For foreigners who will be accepted to run the marathon, the price will increase to $ 80. To offset the rising costs, organizers expect to enlarge the Marathon by accepting a greater number of entries. The New York Road Runners began accepting applications for the lottery to be able to compete for free. There were more than 17,500 requests in the first five hours!

mandritoiu / Shutterstock.com / mandritoiu Adapted from http://blog.ilgiornale.it/

9.A | Answer the questions.

a. Where does the New York City g. What did the runners win? Marathon start? h. How much did the runners pay to run b. When does it take place? the marathon? c. Why are some of the runners i. Do Americans and foreigners pay the professionals? same entry fee? d. When was the first marathon held? j. Why has the price increased? e. How many men runners finished the k. Why do a lot of people want to enter a race? lottery? f. And female runners?

9.B | SPEAKING – Have you ever run a marathon? If yes, where and what is your best time?

9.C | WRITING – For a runner, to Joseph Sohm / Shutterstock.com / Sohm Joseph run the New York City Marathon is a dream. In your opinion, why is the New York City Marathon famous worldwide? Give your reasons (max. 80 words).

9.D | INTERNET/SPEAKING – Search the Internet and find out about the route which passes through all five New York boroughs, then describe it to the class.

24 10. Indianapolis

10.A | Complete the text with the words from the box.

champion – race – weekend – won –

Glossary / Shutterstock.com Weiss Jonathan suburb – seating capacity – comprises Ban (to): prohibit, forbid Enclave: any small, The Indianapolis 500 is an distinct area or automobile 1)...... held group enclosed or annually at Indianapolis Motor Speedway isolated within a in Speedway, an enclave 2)...... larger one Lap: complete circle of Indianapolis. The event is held over Memorial Day weekend, which is typically the last or trip around a track 3) ...... in May. The name of the race is often shortened to Indy 500. or a unit of a course The event, publicized as The Greatest Spectacle in Racing, is considered part of the Triple Crown in racing of Motorsport, which 4)...... three of the most prestigious motorsports events Qualify (to): demonstrate the in the world. The permanent 5)...... is above 250,000. required ability in an The inaugural running was 6)...... by Ray Harroun in 1911.The race celebrated initial or preliminary its 100th anniversary in 2011. Alexander Rossi is the defending 7)...... contest

10.B | LISTENING TRACK 5 – Now listen and check.

Female drivers

Female participation at Indianapolis was discouraged and essentially banned throughout the first several decades of competition. As such, female reporters were not even allowed in the pit area until 1971. There have been nine female drivers to qualify, starting with Janet Guthrie in 1977. Sarah Fisher has competed nine times, the most by any woman. Danica Patrick led 19 laps in the 2005 race and 10 laps in the 2011 race, the only time a woman has led laps during the race. Her third- place in 2009 was the best finish by a woman. Danica Patrick

10.C | IMPROVE YOUR VOCABULARY – Match each word or expression with its synonym.

a. banned 1. journalists b. periods of 10 years 2. participated c. reporters 3. competition d. competed 4. proscribed e. race 5. decades

a. b. c. d. e.

25 1 Sport Events in the English-Speaking World Film Link 10.D | INTERNET/WRITING/SPEAK- WINNING (1969) ING –Inyour country, which is the most famous car race? Search the Winning is a American movie Internet and write a brief report, starring Paul Newman and Joanne then share with the class. Woodward, his real-life wife. Frank Capua is a rising star on the race circuit who dreams of winning 10.E | INTERNET/WRITING/SPEAK- the big one - the Indianapolis 500. ING – Search the Internet for the But to get there he runs the risk plot of the film, write a summary, of losing his wife Elora to his rival, then read it to the class. Luther Erding, and ruining the relationship with his stepson.

11. The Super Bowl

11.A | LISTENING TRACK 6 – Cover the text and listen, then decide if the statements are TRUE (T) or FALSE (F).

The Super Bowl is the annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL), the highest level of professional American football in the world. The game concludes a season that begins in the late summer of the previous calendar year. American football, which derives from rugby, is known in the United States simply as football, while in the UK this term refers to soccer. Glossary The Super Bowl is the most-watched American television broadcast. It is a true spectacle with Broadcast: famous entertainers: popular singers and musicians including Michael Jackson, Prince, Beyoncé, something The Rolling Stones, The Who, and Whitney Houston, who performed during the event’s pre- broadcast, such as game and half-time ceremonies. a single radio or All American cities apply to host the game, and the location is chosen three to five years in advance television program Championship: giving the selected host-city time to prepare the stadium and the city for a large crowd of tourists. series of The Super Bowl is currently played on the first Sunday in February.This day, called “Super Bowl competitions Sunday”, is now considered by some an unofficial American national holiday. It is the second- or contests to largest day for US food consumption, after Thanksgiving Day. determine a champion Entertainer: singer, a. The National Football League is the highest level of professional American comedian, dancer, football in the world TF or other performer, b. The football season starts early summer TF esp. a professional c. Football and soccer in the USA are the same game TF one Half-time: the break d. A lot of people watch the Super Bowl on TV in the USA TF between the two e. Famous entertainers performed during the event TF halves of a football, f. Every American city wants to host the game TF basketball, or other g. The location is chosen 2 years in advance TF game h. TF Previous: coming The Super Bowl is played in January or occurring before i. On “Super Bowl Sunday” people eat a lot of food TF something else j. On “Super Bowl Sunday” people eat more than on Thanksgiving Day TF

11.B | Correct the false statements.

26 Movie studios invest on the Super Bowl

The Super Bowl is a very important time in the world of sports, but it is very big for the rest of the entertainment industry as well. This big game gets the attention of millions of potential spectators every single year, so all major movie studios invest on the Super Bowl to promote the most anticipated films of the season with one or more spots. Bowl spots never come cheap, but this year they cost more than ever: up to $5 million for a 30-second spot, according to reports.

These are some of the titles advertised this year: Captain America: / Shutterstock.com EQRoy CivilWar; Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice; X-Men: Apocalypse; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; Independence Day: Resurgence; 10 Clover field Lane; Jason Bourne and many more. Adapted from www.bestmovie.it/news/super-bowl-2016

11.C | SPEAKING – Are you surprised to know that a 30-second Super Bowl spot can cost up to $5 million ? In your opinion, what is the reason?

11.D | Watch and enjoy the video below!

Beyoncé steals the show: Super Bowl half-time highlights – video Watch the best bits from the Super Bowl half-time show. Coldplay, Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson share a stage with Beyoncé who stole the show. https://www.theguardian.com/music/video/2016/feb/08/beyonce-super-bowl-half-time-highlights-video

12. The NBA (National Glossary Lead (to): have Basketball Association) the main part in

something All-Star Game Natursports / Shutterstock.com Line-up: row or arrangement of people or things All-Star Game is one of the most important events of assembled for a the NBA season. particular purpose Mascot: something It is a spectacular weekend race, a three-day event which adopted by a group goes from Friday to Sunday, ending on Sunday evening with as its symbol to a match between two teams, respectively of a selection of bring good luck the best players in the Eastern Conference and the Western Reserves: members Conference. Each conference team consists of 12 players, of a team who only play if a playing making it 24 in total. member drops out; a The starting line-up for each team is selected by vote, while the reserves are chosen by a substitute vote among the head coaches from each team. Coaches are not allowed to vote for their own players.The head coach of the team with the best record in each conference is chosen to lead their respective conference in the All-Star Game. The first All-Star Game was held in Boston in 1951, then changing location every year.

27 1 Sport Events in the English-Speaking World

12.A | Complete the sentences.

a. All-Star Game is a three-day...... which goes from Friday to Sunday. b. All-Star Game ends with a...... between two teams. c. All the players are a...... of the best players in the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. d. Each conference team has 12...... e. The starting...... for each team is selected by vote. f. Coaches cannot...... for their own players. g. The coach with the best...... in each conference will lead their respective conference. h. All-Star Game changes...... every year.

The Harlem Globetrotters are an exhibition basketball team that combines athleticism, theatre,and comedy.Over the years,they have played more than 26,000 exhibition games in 122 countries and territories. Brother Bones’s whistled version of “Sweet Georgia Brown” is the team’s signature song, and their mascot is named Globie. The team plays over 450 live events worldwide each year.

Adapted from www.nba.com/allstar / Shutterstock.com Miramontez Randy Film Link 12.B | INTERNET/WRITING/SPEAKING – Have you heard about the SPACE JAM (1997) Harlem Globetrotters? Search the Internet and find out more about It is a movie that blends flesh-and-blood ac- them. Write a report, then share with the class. You must include tors with comic book characters. The Looney the following points: Tunes Warner Bros divides the screen with • Why they are called “Harlem Globetrotters” great NBA cham- • When they started entertaining pions like Michael • Their most successful years “Air” Jordan and • Who has been officially named as honorary celebrated actors member of the team like Bill Murray. Mi- chael Jordan agrees 12.C | WRITING – Have you seen the movie? to help Bugs Bunny If not, watch it on streaming, then make a and friends play a summary of the plot. basketball game vs. alien slavers 12.D | SPEAKING - Do you like basketball? to determine their Can you play it? Are you a supporter of a freedom. team? If yes, which team? Share with the class. Go deeper! Let’s talk about basketball! Basketball is a game where the players are usually very tall and can jump very high. They use a round, bouncy ball and the aim is to get as many points as possible by putting the ball through a ring. You get a different number of points depending on how you get the ball through the ring.

28 13. Six Nations Rugby Championship and The Rugby Championship

Six Nations Rugby Championship is the most important rugby tournament in the northern hemisphere. Established in 1883, it was played between the four nationals of

Paolo Bona / Bona Shutterstock.com Paolo the British Isles (Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales). Between 1910 to 1931 and 1947 to 1999 it was called Five Nations Tournament due to the presence of France. Since 2000 it has changed to its present name when Italy was admitted in the tournament. Wales has been the most successful team in the tournament winning 37 editions, England 36 editions, and Italy has not won any.

The Rugby Championship is the most important five rugby tournament in the southern hemisphere, with national teams of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina. It is the equivalent of the Six Nations Rugby Championship as it regards four of the strongest national rugby teams in the world below the equator.

13.A | Answer the questions. a. Why is the most important rugby d. Which is the most important tournament in the northern rugby tournament in the southern hemisphere called Six Nations? hemisphere? b. Which team has won more editions? e. What are the strongest teams in the c. How many editions has Italy won? world below the equator?

Glossary 13.B | LISTENING TRACK 7 – Listen and complete with the missing words. Contest (to): struggle or fight for Perform (to): carry The All Blacks out; execute Settlers: people who migrate to and The New Zealand national rugby union team, commonly called the All Blacks, represent New organize (an area, Zealand in the men’s rugby 1)...... , which is regarded as the country’s national sport. etc.) for living There are a lot of 2)...... players in the team, who are the original settlers of New Zealand. The All Blacks 3)...... the trophy thirteen times in the competition’s nineteen-year history. They also hold the Bledisloe Cup, which is contested annually with 4)...... , and the Freedom Cup, contested annually with 5)...... New Zealand has achieved a Grand Slam (defeating England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales in one tour) four times – 1978, 2005, 2008 and 6) ...... Their name “All Blacks” dates from 7)...... The

Paolo BonaPaolo Shutterstock.com / team perform a haka,aMāori challenge or posture dance with

29 1 Sport Events in the English-Speaking World

vigorous movements and stamping of the feet with rhythmically shouted accompaniment, before each 8)...... They perform their haka before their international competitions. This 9)...... began with the 1888–89 New Zealand Native football team tour and has been 10)...... by the New Zealand rugby team since 1905. Adapted from https://it.wikipedia.org The Haka

Leader KA MATE! KA MATE! We’re going to die! We’re going to die! We were at war Chorus KA ORA, KA ORA! We’re going to live! We’re going to live! But now there is peace. Leader / Bona Shutterstock.com Paolo KA MATE! KA MATE! We’re going to die! We’re going to die! ... RA! UPANE! KA UPANE! We thought we were all going to die sun! Together! All together... ! Chorus peace. We are all working in harmony, side by side, KA ORA, KA ORA! We’re going to live! We’re going to live! A UPANE! KA UPANE! but now we are safe Together! All together... ! moving in unison like the hairs on our chief’s legs All together TENEI TE TANGATA PU’RU-HURU WHITI TE RA! This is the man, so hairy To sun shines! because our leader, so strong and masculine, to prolong these sunny days of peace.

NA’A NEI TIKI MAI WHAKA-WHITI TE... HI ! who fetched, and made shine the Yeah! has unified us and brought back the sunny days of Http://lyrics.wikia.com/wiki/The_All_Blacks:The_Haka Go deeper!

Let’s talk about rugby! 13.C | IMPROVE YOUR VOCABULARY – Match each word to its synonym. Rugby is a team sport played outdoors, on a rugby pitch, with an oval diamond shape a. settlers 1. execute rugby ball, originally called a quanco, used for b. annually 2. energetic easier passing, and two teams of 15 players. c. perform 3. colonizers d. vigorous 4. custom e. tradition 5. yearly

a. b. c. d. e.

13.D | WRITING – The words of the Haka are quite simple. Translate them into Italian.

30 Glossary 14. The Ryder Cup Audience: the group of people listening to 14.A | Complete with the words from the box. or viewing a public event professional sports - golf competition - named - best players - Sportsmanship: served - world - sporting events - profits sportsmanlike conduct, as fairness, / Shutterstock.com Leindecker W. David courtesy, and being The Ryder Cup is a biennial men’s 1)...... between a cheerful loser teams from Europe and the United States. Every two years, 24 of the 2)...... from Europe and the United States go head- to-head in match play competition. The Ryder Cup has become one of the world’s greatest 3)...... Performance, tension, incredible golf, friendship and sportsmanship are 4)...... in identical measure, attracting an audience of millions around the 5)...... The Ryder Cup remains an exception within the world of 6)...... because the players receive no prize money, despite being the competition of the highest technical level. However, it brings a large income of money in television and sponsorship 7)...... nk The Ryder Cup is 8)...... after the English businessman Samuel Ryder who donated the Book Li trophy. Adapted from www.rydercup.com

14.B | LISTENING TRACK 8 – Now listen and check.

14.C | SPEAKING – Do you agree that golf is an elitist sport? Why yes? Why not? Justify your opinion.

Go deeper! Let’s talk about golf! THE RYDER Usually played by individuals, golf is played on a golf course, using several types of golf clubs to hit CUP balls into a series of holes in as few strokes as possible. A golf course has an arranged progression of either 9 or 18 holes. Each hole must contain a Golf journalist tee box to start from, and a putting green containing the actual cup. Tom Clavin and golf commentator 14.D | Guess the word. Match each English word with its Italian translation. Bob Bubka recount in this a. course 1. colpi revised and b. holes 2. ferri ( mazze) updated book c. strokes 3. campo The Ryder Cup’s rich history, its d. clubs 4. buche champions and its characters, a. b. c. d. and its status as golf’s greatest 14.E | INTERNET/WRITING/SPEAKING – Search the Internet and find out more about golf. Write a match from its report on the history of this sport, then share with the class. You must include the following points: • origins in 1927 Where the game originated • to today. Which golf course is considered the cradle of golf • The world’s oldest golf tournament

31 1 Sport Events in the English-Speaking World

Editor’s Corner

1. New York City Marathon

NOVEMBER 6 2015 Missing Italian runner shows why it’s a bad idea to use someone else’s bib

The lost marathon runner who was tified: the runner’s number, found on the NYC subway shows why information hand-written using someone else’s bib can have dan- on the back of the bib, and a gerous consequences. bar code that, when scanned, For Italian runner Gianclaudio shows whatever the runner Marengo, Sunday’s New York City Mar- provided upon registration, athon turned from a 26.2-mile race into including name, emergency an odyssey that ended on Tuesday when contact, primary language, and any ad- son who gave him the bib were banned he was found on the subway still in his ditional medical information the run- from entering any other Marine Corps running clothes. ner feel officials would need to know. Marathon related event for the rest of One asterisk on his journey: he “The situation could also cause con- the year. (…) wasn’t registered for the marathon. He fusion and fear for friends and family of Some races, like the Marine Corps ran while wearing someone else’s bib. an unregistered runner, since race offi- Marathon, Pittsburg Marathon and This is a constant worry and logistical cials aren’t able to track the status of a Broad Street 10 Mile Run, allow en- headache for race directors, especially runner on the course in the medical tent trants to transfer their bibs to another if a runner in someone else’s bib gets who isn’t properly identified,” said Vir- runner before the race. The New York hurt during the race. ginia Brophy Achman, executive direc- City Marathon does not have such a “We’ve got a real problem if they’ve tor of the Marathon. program. However, organizers allow got somebody else’s bib,” said Brant Some races also ban runners who runners to defer their entry to the fol- Kotch, president and race director of are involved in bib switching. In 2014, lowing year, though they must pay the the Houston Marathon. the winner of the Marine Corps 17.75 fee again, which for 2015 was $255 for The New York City Marathon bib race was disqualified for wearing some- US runners and $347 for international has three ways its runners can be iden- one else’s bib, and both he and the per- runners.

Adapted from https://www.theguardian.com

1.A | Scan the article and answer the questions.

a. According to the article, what can have dangerous consequences? b. What happened to Mr. Marenco? c. Why did Mr. Marenco run with someone else’s bib? d. What do race directors worry about? e. Why is it important to wear one’s own bib? f. In 2014, what happened to the winner of the Marine Corps 17.75 race? g. How much was the NY City Marathon 2015 fee for a non-American runner?

1.B | SPEAKING – If you want to have fun when you are competing, you need a lot of energy. One secret to having lots of energy is to have a balanced diet and to eat well, especially on the day of the run. What advice would you give to a friend who is going to run the New York City Marathon?

32 Editor’s Corner

2. Super Bowl

FEBRUARY 7 2016 Broncos win Super Bowl 50 as defense swarms Panthers

sons in the history of the N.F.L., completed just 18 of 41 passes for 265 yards ( 242 mt.). He fumbled twice, was intercepted once and was sacked six times. (…)

It was the third Super Bowl win for the Broncos and their first since 1999. It was also the second Super Bowl victory for Manning, who won in his first Super Bowl with the Indianapolis Colts in 2007, but lost his next two. Sunday’s result brought a crushing conclusion to what had been a magical Panthers season and dealt a sharp blow to the ascendancy of Newton, who was elected the most valuable player of the regular season and had appeared to be a new model of quarterback. Carolina had won 15 of 16 regular-season games and then stormed through the postseason with two convincing victories leading up to the Super Bowl. This 50th edition of the Super Bowl was meant to be en- But Newton was responsible for two costly fumbles, with tertaining, even historic. But perhaps the moment was too each leading to pivotal Broncos scores. significant for the Denver Broncos, led by Peyton Manning Newton was not effective throwing the football on the in the twilight of his famed career, and the upstart, favored run, but even when he had time, he hardly looked like the su- Carolina Panthers, represented in every way by their pio- perhero he likes to portray in celebrations after touchdowns, neering quarterback, Cam Newton. often missing open receivers. An exciting matchup of opposites fizzled as Manning Newton’s rushing, but he could not run on every play, threw a series of wobbly passes and Newton was altogether and when he dropped back to pass, the Broncos were in his disappointing, spending most of the game running for safety. face. In a lackluster game, the Broncos prevailed, 24-10, on Coach Ron Rivera said all the Panthers’ problems Sunday. The game might prove the last of Manning’s career, stemmed from their turnovers. but it will almost certainly not be his best remembered: he “We fumbled the ball when we really haven’t fumbled the completed 13 of 23 passes for only 141 yards ( 128 mt.) with ball this year,” he said. “There were a couple of tipped passes no touchdowns, an interception and a lost fumble. that were intercepted. Give them credit, but those are things we Newton, who had one of the best statistical regular sea- typically didn’t do this year.”

Adapted from http://www.nytimes.com

2.A | Decide if the following statements are TRUE (T) or FALSE (F), then correct the false ones.

a. The captain of the Denver Broncos is Peyton Manning TF b. Cam Newton plays with the Denver Broncos TF c. The Panthers won 24-10 TF d. The Broncos have won the Super Bowl three times TF e. Manning used to play with the Indianapolis Colts TF f. In 1999, Manning won his first Super Bowl TF g. Newton is a quarterback TF h. Manning was elected the most valuable player of the regular season TF

2.B | WRITING – Are you a team player or do you prefer competing individually? What are the pros and the cons of competing individually or in a team?

33 1 Sport Events in the English-Speaking World

3. Six Nations Rugby Championship

FEBRUARY 13 2016 Wales 27-23 Scotland: Sam Warburton delighted to survive Scottish test for first Six Nations win

Tries from Jamie Roberts and George North in the final 15 minutes eventually secured a first victory in this year’s competition for Wales, much to the relief of coach Warburton. The build-up to this fixture centered on the fact that Warren Gatland had won all eight of his previous encounters against the Scots as Wales coach, although that record was in danger when the Dark Blues took a 13-10 half-time lead on Saturday. Wales began their tournament with a 16-16 draw in Ireland, and Warburton hopes his side can emulate the Six Nations-winning side of 2013, when they were victorious in their last four matches after failing to win their opener. He added: “Historically we tend to get gradually better as the tournament goes on, which is a positive sign for us. I think we were a little bit better than last week.” “Last week we came out of the blocks really slow, and we Scotland’s head coach Vern Cotter took little solace in an ended up chasing the game.” improved display from their 15-9 opening defeat to England. “Much better performance this week, but you’ve got to give He said: “It doesn’t get any easier. I don’t like losing.” credit to Scotland. They played fantastic and the way they’re “The attitude was better, so if we can build on that we can playing they don’t deserve to be zero (wins) from (their first) two keep on improving. We need to get better at stopping teams (games).” scoring.”

Adapted from http://www.mirror.co.uk

3.A | Complete the sentences.

a. Wales won in the ……………………… 15 minutes of the match. b. Warren Gatland was previously the Wales ……………………………….. c. Wales scored 16-16 ……………………….. in Ireland. d. In the Six Nations 2013 tournament, Wales won their last four ………………………………. e. Coach Warburton said Scotland …………………………. very well and the way they were playing, they didn’t deserve to be zero wins.

3.B | SPEAKING – Do you prefer to play sport for fun or to win? Discuss with the class.